Adding a pigtail will reduce windage and weight (marginally) because there will be less line. However, there will be more drag because the blocks will be closer together. An 8:1 mainsheet does not keep each pulley perfectly in with the line. This causes friction because the pulleys press against the side and torque. Bringing the blocks closer increases the missalignment. Its not a big deal until you get close to block to block.
Good info, thanks
I have a few feet between beam and boom... all good.
Harken actually has a min working range (18" if i recall correctly) for their 57mm ratcho-blocks. At least thats what i recall from a murray's catalogue i used to have
Again thanks to all for the input
